Hyena Road

The Film Stage by

Lovers of war cinema might forgive the film’s flaws and be thrilled by Hussian’s visuals, but its characters are too paper-thin to compel our emotional engagement beyond casual interest.

Slant Magazine by Clayton Dillard

Paul Gross situates the film's events somewhere between violent, militaristic fantasy and gentler, anti-war lament.

The New York Times by Daniel M. Gold

Refreshingly free of jingoism, that detachment unfortunately winds up working against the movie, which doesn’t engage emotionally.

Variety by Geoff Berkshire

This is the kind of movie where a major development in a character’s personal life instantly telegraphs his ultimate fate in the trenches.

The Hollywood Reporter by Justin Lowe

Geopolitical speculation aside, Gross makes a persuasive case for the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian troops serving during the Afghanistan conflict.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Kate Taylor

Its war scenes are plenty thrilling, but the film’s real achievement is its quiet authenticity.

Los Angeles Times by Michael Rechtshaffen

While the attempt at a certain, documentary-style naturalism is honorable, it's at the expense of focused plotting and sufficient character development.

Village Voice by Sam Weisberg

This anti-war movie is more passionate about CB radio communication than the horrors of bloodshed.

Screen International by Tim Grierson

Hyena Road may be a bit underwhelming in its action set pieces and storytelling urgency, but its heart is certainly in the right place.